Abstract

 Background: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a common cause of evaporative dry eye disease and significantly affects ocular comfort, visual quality, and daily activities. Conventional management includes lid hygiene, lubricants, and anti-inflammatory agents. Omega-3 fatty acids have gained attention as a potential adjunct therapy due to their anti-inflammatory properties and role in improving meibomian gland secretions. Aim & Objectives: To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of standard treatment alone versus standard treatment combined with oral omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Material and Methods: This hospital-based interventional study was conducted on 150 patients with slit-lamp-confirmed MGD. They were divided into two equal groups of 75 each. Group A received standard treatment, while Group B received standard treatment along with oral omega-3 fatty acids (500 mg twice daily) for six months. Objective evaluation included meibum quality grading, fluorescein tear film break-up time (TBUT), and Schirmer I test. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 30 and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both groups showed improvement following treatment; however, Group B demonstrated significantly better outcomes. Post-treatment meibum quality improved more in Group B (p = 0.047). TBUT showed a marked and highly significant improvement in the oral omega-3 group compared to standard therapy alone (p < 0.0001). Schirmer test values also improved significantly in Group B (p = 0.01), indicating better tear secretion. Subjective symptoms were reduced in both groups, with greater relief observed in patients receiving oral omega-3 supplementation. Conclusion: Oral omega-3 fatty acid supplementation as an adjunct to standard therapy provides superior improvement in objective clinical parameters in patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.